GOP Gets Red on Democrats, John Kerry Could Lose a Tooth and more in Capital Eye Opener: March 4

Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics:

GOP ELECTION STRATEGY? SOCIALISM! The Republican National Committee is planning to raise money during 2010 midterm elections by “capitalizing on ‘fear’ of President Barack Obama and a promise to ‘save the country from trending toward socialism,'” Politico‘s Ben Smith reports in an exclusive dispatch. Smith’s report, based on a GOP fund-raising presentation Politico obtained, also details how Republicans aim to tap the wallets “ego-driven” wealthy donors with offers of access to candidates and “tchochkes.”

“The document was used for a fund-raising presentation Chairman Steele did not attend, nor had he seen the document,” RNC Communications Director Doug Heye told Politico. “Obviously, the chairman disagrees with the language and finds the use of such imagery to be unacceptable. It will not be used by the Republican National committee — in any capacity — in the future.”

The RNC is actually leading its Democratic counterpart, the Democratic National Committee, in fund-raising this election cycle, the Center for Responsive Politics’ research shows.

But all GOP party committees together trail Democrats significantly.

FIVE-MINUTE MAJOR FOR FILIBUSTERING: So, we’re not exactly talking National Hockey League quality, or USA v. Canada Olympic finals drama. But if you’ve ever jonesed for watching lobbyists smack the tar out of congressional lawmakers — for real! — there’s a game for that: the Congressional Hockey Challenge, on March 9 in Washington, D.C. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) will lead the lawmakers’ team, which also includes Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.) and Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.).

And regardless of whether blood will be let, fists will be thrown or a compromise on comprehensive financial reform will be struck at center ice, proceeds from the event will go to needy children in the D.C. area.

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